[SEO-Members] Inquiry: E-Card Eligibility and Privileges Policies

[Morgan Paul]

We do not have virtual cards.  A patron must come in to fill out the
application. 

 

We did try virtual cards  in 2020, but it didn't work well for us - very few
used it - we are small.

 

We do have eresource cards that we hand out. There isn't any patron
information on them.

They do allow Hoopla, Libby, and access Ohio Web Library.  Vacationers pick
them up sometime, but even those are going down in use. 

 

We do have a 2 FOR ME card, where a child can get a library card just for
physical items, excluding DVDs and video games.  They can get this card
without a parent's signature.  They can only have 2 books on it at a time.
If there are any that are lost at the start of a new school year, the fees
will be cleared.  

 

 

I felt that having cards expire was poor customer service.  I stopped that
almost 10 years ago.  This means they don't have to update their info every
3 years.  Most notifications are done via text or email.  

 

Our cards are deleted after 3 years of no use.  

 

I do have a few patrons each week that are coming in from surrounding
libraries just for our card so they can have Hoopla. 

 

 

*         Non-Resident Options: Do you offer fee-based e-cards for users
living outside your tax district? Do you mean out of state?  

*         We do not charge a fee for residents of Indiana (or any other
state) - we have a few who visit. I am not right on the state line, so I
don't have as many as others might. 

*          

Morgan 

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Morgan Paul, Director

St Marys Community Public Library

St Marys, Ohio

 

419-394-7471

 

smcpl.org

 

From: SEO-Members <seo-members-bounces at lists.oplin.org> On Behalf Of
Kristina McKown via SEO-Members
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2026 3:16 PM
To: seo-members at lists.oplin.org
Subject: [SEO-Members] Inquiry: E-Card Eligibility and Privileges Policies

 

Hi everyone!

Our library is currently reviewing its digital services, and we are looking
to update our e-card policies. To ensure we are alignment with best
practices, we are gathering data from other libraries regarding how you
manage virtual registrations.

If you have a moment, could you please share how your library handles the
following?

*         Eligibility: How do you verify residency or employment within your
service area for completely virtual applicants?

*         Privileges & Limits: Do e-card holders get identical access to
digital resources (e.g., Hoopla, Libby, databases) compared to physical
cardholders?

*         Physical Borrowing: Are e-card holders permitted to place holds on
or check out physical materials, or must they upgrade to a traditional card
first?

*         Expiration & Renewal: What is the lifespan of an e-card, and can
users renew them online or do they need to visit a branch?

*         Non-Resident Options: Do you offer fee-based e-cards for users
living outside your tax district?

If you have a policy document or a link to your online terms of service that
you could share, that would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for
your time and for helping us improve our digital services.

Best regards,

 

Kristina McKown- Circulation Services Specialist
Carnegie Public Library of Fayette County Ohio
127 S North St
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-335-2540
 <http://www.cplwcho.org/> www.cplwcho.org



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